Matt Baglio profiles Fr. Gary Thomas, a "reluctant exorcist" appointed by his bishop to study exorcism in Rome. Fr. Thomas -- and Baglio -- offer a balance of Catholic faith and prudent skepticism. From his first class on the subject to his apprenticeship to a veteran exorcist, Fr. Thomas' tale is presented in clear, crisp prose. Baglio does a commendable job of presenting the Church's position on exorcism, cutting through popular myth and misconceptions. A good read for anyone looking for a clear treatment on exorcism from a Catholic perspective. ( )

Hmmm. This book was not what I expected. The jacket copy lead me to believe it would be a balanced look on exorcism, and that Baglio would present not just the Catholic Church's views on exorcism, but also those of skeptics. However, while Baglio pays lip service to some scientific theories on exorcism, most of the psychologists, psychiatrists, and other scientists he consults are practicing Catholics, or other Christians, and believe in the devil, demons, and the power of evil. Baglio's profile of Father Gary Thomas, a modern priest learning the rituals of exorcism, is interesting. The scenes of exorcism itself are frightening and many read like a novel. Throughout the book, however, I felt like I was reading a treatise on Catholic theology, which is not what I was looking for. I'll give the book three stars, because it was a quick, engrossing read that kept my interest through the end, even though it was not what I was looking for and left me with more questions than answers. ( )

I found this book fascinating, however, I could only read 75% of it. The first night I read in bed and then stayed awake until 2 AM. So I restricted reading this to daytime in the sunlight in the living room. I was feeling angst over life issues and decided maybe it was not the best time to read that book. I did research who the exorcist was for the Catholic diocese in which I live and I was shocked that the one listed is such a normal, balanced program. I was glad there is one and credence is given to Evil and it is not blown off. ( )

Matt Baglio was a freelance journalist living in Rome when he learned about a class the Vatican was offering on exorcism that was open to the public. Mr. Baglio thought it would give him enough information to write an article if he attended the class. He was wrong, from what he learned in class and contacts made, the author was able to write this book and has a new look on life.

In this class Mr. Baglio met and an American Priest from California who was appointed by his bishop to become the diocese exorcist. The book is written mainly as a biography of this priest, Father Gary Thomas. So with the investigative eye of a journalist, the insights of the exorcist and interviews of the subjects of some exorcisms we are given a glimpse into the world where good still battles evil.

The small biography of Father Thomas is a fast read that shows the sad truth that most priest do not even believe in the devil until the come face to face with pure evil. This was where Father Thomas was until he started the class to become an exorcist and actually started attending some exorcism. Every diocese is supposed to have an official exorcist appointed but the majority live in Italy and there is only a handful in the U.S.A. Most countries have none at all.

The author also covers the teachings of the Catholic Church on demonic possession and the basis for the belief in the rite of exorcism. Through Father Thomas’ eyes we are shown different forms of possession and learn that each exorcist is a unique individual with his own strength and weaknesses. In order for the rite to be successful both the possessed and the exorcist must have faith in God. For the rite is a manifestation of God's benevolence and deliverance and the priest is only the conduit of His grace as a priest is for all the sacraments. And there is no standard situation when it comes to demonic possession or for how long the exorcism could take, which can sometimes years.

I found this a very interesting read and the author has a very short section at the end where he shares from his own personal experience from his time researching for this books. The author also provides copious notes and a bibliography. From his own words it is obvious he has many more notes from which he can pull from. So perhaps the author will write a book from his own perspective giving us a look behind the Rite and delve deeper into the subject. The book is a good introduction to a subject that most feel have been relegated to the back lots of Hollywood. ( )

Exorcisms are a part of the Roman Catholic Church that are rarely discussed in this modern era. Many view them as a relic – a way of explaining diseases, as demonic possession, before doctors had an understanding of mental illnesses. The Church hierarchy, however, still teaches the reality of Satan, and there are still specifically trained priests who have exorcism as a part of their job descriptions. One of these priests is Father Gary Thomas of California, who takes a series of classes on exorcisms as part of a recent Church movement to ensure that all exorcists are properly trained with some degree of uniformity.

Quote: “The Devil is present everywhere that evil things happen within the normal laws of nature . . . in many places, in all massacres, in every murder, in physical catastrophes, in every concentration camp, in all evil. Sometimes he shows himself, strangely, but also in cases of possession. But he’s much more dangerous where he doesn’t let himself be seen, where he can’t be done away with through exorcism.” -Father Pedro Barrajon

I found this book on an unusual topic surprisingly engaging – despite being unsure, I finished it in just a few days. It was a mixture of the personal story of Father Gary Thomas and a more scholarly consideration of the topic of exorcism. Father Thomas’ story is interesting – the right combination of faith, skepticism, and determination, while the drier portion did not last too long. Perhaps most interesting, however, was the personal tales of people who have undergone exorcisms and tales of ceremonies witnessed by Father Thomas and the author, which are quite different than Hollywood’s take on demonic possession. While I’m not sure if it engrossing enough to hold someone with no interest whatsoever in the topic, I think most who are intrigued by the possibility of unseen forces in the universe would find it a worthwhile read. ( )